Tuesday, July 31, 2012:
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) in its Annual General Body Meeting, held on 30th July 2012 announced the election of its new leadership for the term 2012-2013. Mr. Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd. was elected as the new Chairman and Mr. Marten Pieters, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone India Ltd., was elected as the Vice-Chairman. The COAI also designated its new Executive Council for the new term in the process.
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With a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and Post-graduation from IIM, Bangalore, Mr. Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director of Idea Cellular Limited and the new Chairman of COAI, brings with him over 25 years of experience in telecom and other industries.
Mr. Kapania in his address as the new Chairman COAI stated that, “In the recent past, the poster boy of India’s growth story is going through an uncertain government policy and regulatory environment. While the Industry was reeling under falling profit margins, primarily due to high debt (estimated at over INR 2,00,000 crores) paid to finance 3G & BWA Auction last year, the sector witnessed a series of unprecedented hardships and policy reversals.”
Mr. Marten Pieters, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of India at Vodafone Group, since February 2009, has over 3 decades of industry experience in international and domestic markets and has served in senior positions in various organizations. He holds a Law degree from Groningen University, the Netherlands and has also completed a Postgraduate course in Economics in 1979. Mr. Marten Pieters pledged his full possible support in the tasks and endeavours ahead for the Industry and the Association.
Mr. Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI, extended his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Sanjay Kapoor, the outgoing Chairman of COAI for the bold, courageous and excellent leadership provided by him through one of the most challenging periods in the history of Indian telecoms regulation and government policy. He also welcomed the new team and congratulated them for accepting their positions at the helm of the association for the coming term.
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